The Los Angeles Lakers have been among the NBA’s busiest teams this offseason, making several significant roster changes in an effort to remain competitive around Luka Doncic. While the front office has shown a willingness to spend and make aggressive moves, the overall direction of the roster has generated mixed reactions.
The team’s decision to reshape the roster following LeBron James’ departure created financial flexibility, but it also left major holes that have yet to be fully addressed. James contributed far more than scoring, providing leadership, defensive versatility, and secondary playmaking that helped stabilize the team on both ends of the floor.
Los Angeles has since added players including Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton. Although each player brings useful skills, questions remain about whether the Lakers have allocated their resources efficiently while building a balanced roster capable of contending.
One name that continues to surface in speculation is Jonathan Kuminga. While adding another talented young forward could make sense, any potential move would depend heavily on the cost, as the Lakers have already committed considerable assets during an active offseason.
1. The Lakers Still Need Help on the Wing
One of the Lakers’ biggest concerns entering the new season is the uncertainty surrounding their wing rotation. Reports have suggested Rui Hachimura could be nearing the end of his time with the franchise, creating another significant vacancy at forward.
Hachimura played an important role as a floor spacer during the previous campaign. His outside shooting provided valuable spacing for the offense, and he elevated his performance during the postseason by consistently knocking down perimeter shots against playoff defenses.
If Hachimura departs, Los Angeles would be left with limited proven options at small forward. Jake LaRavia remains a promising player, but expecting him to handle a full-time starting role over an 82-game season could place considerable pressure on his development.
The offseason additions have also done little to solve that particular issue. Kessler and Mamukelashvili strengthen the frontcourt, while Grimes and Sexton primarily bolster the backcourt. As a result, the Lakers still appear to lack an established two-way wing capable of handling difficult defensive assignments.
2. Why Kuminga Fits the Roster
Jonathan Kuminga stands out as one of the most intriguing remaining options because of his athleticism, versatility, and long-term potential. At just 23 years old, he offers both immediate production and room for continued development.
Defensively, Kuminga possesses the size and mobility needed to guard multiple positions. His ability to switch onto wings and larger forwards would help address one of the Lakers’ biggest defensive needs, particularly against teams with elite perimeter scorers.
Offensively, Kuminga has shown flashes of becoming an effective scorer who can attack the basket and create his own shot. While he would likely play a complementary role alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, his ability to generate offense when needed could give the Lakers another valuable weapon.
There are still areas of his game that require improvement, particularly perimeter shooting and off-ball spacing. However, surrounded by experienced playmakers, Kuminga could have the opportunity to refine those aspects while contributing with his athleticism, defense, and transition scoring.
3. Cost Will Determine the Decision
Although Kuminga’s talent makes him an attractive target, acquiring him may prove complicated. The Lakers have already spent significant draft capital during the offseason, particularly in their trade for Walker Kessler, leaving fewer assets available for future moves.
Any potential sign-and-trade would likely require additional players or draft picks, forcing the front office to carefully evaluate whether another major investment is justified. Protecting future flexibility may become just as important as upgrading the current roster.
The free-agent market offers other wing options, including veterans and younger role players, but few possess Kuminga’s combination of age, upside, and defensive versatility. That reality could increase competition for his services while also driving up his asking price.
Ultimately, Kuminga represents a calculated gamble rather than a guaranteed solution. If the Lakers can negotiate a reasonable contract and avoid sacrificing excessive assets in a trade, he could become an important piece of the team’s future. If the price climbs too high, however, Los Angeles may be better served pursuing more affordable alternatives while preserving flexibility for future roster moves.